Lopez Calls For Rules Reform

February 20, 2007

Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez (R,C,I – Schoharie) today joined his conference’s call for substantive and common-sense Assembly Rules reform which would ensure a more accountable and transparent government.

“Our constituents need to be assured that their state government is spending their tax dollars in a fiscally responsible way,” stated Lopez. “In order to do that, we need strong rules reform.”

The proposal would include, among others, the following measures:

Requiring standing committee meetings to be transcribed and be made available on the Assembly Website and in the Assembly Public Information Office;

Require a fiscal impact statement on all bills;

Require a 2/3 super-majority vote for final passage of a bill imposing, continuing or reviving a tax;

Require any bill that imposes a mandate on municipalities to be specifically labeled on the calendar.

“The goal of the proposal is to reform and strengthen the Assembly’s procedures for the benefit of all New Yorkers,” Lopez added. “These changes will help reduce unfunded mandates on municipalities and force greater attention to New York’s high taxes.”